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Concept

Microtubule

A microtubule, a hollow protein tube composed of tubulin, extends outward in a star-like pattern, demonstrating its role in cellular structure and cargo transport.

Hollow protein tubes, about 25 nanometres across, built from a protein called tubulin. They form the cytoskeleton that gives a cell its shape and serve as tracks along which cargo is hauled. During mitosis they assemble into the spindle that drags chromosomes apart. Several chemotherapy drugs, including paclitaxel from the Pacific yew, work by jamming microtubule assembly and stalling cell division.

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